Places to stay on Dartmoor

This summer why not have some adventure by heading to Dartmoor? With everything from abseiling to climbing, hiking and orienteering, Dartmoor gives you the best of both worlds, there is a host of opportunities for adventure, while also offering a calming atmosphere full of peaceful places to walk, rest and enjoy a cream tea or two.

If you like the idea of a holiday where you can indulge in both some activities and relaxation, Dartmoor is the place to be – so we’ve compiled some of our best-loved places to stay across the National Park to help you plan the perfect holiday.

Right on the edge of the National Park is the delightful Horn of Plenty Country House Hotel. With beautiful views and a reputation for incredible food, this is a great place for relaxing and enjoying the countryside. The hotel itself has a five acre garden to explore and is close to the Tamar Valley and Dartmoor National Park, where you can find plenty of companies offering adventure activities.

For a touch of luxury and drama, check out Bovey Castle, a 5 AA red star hotel full of history and glamour. The hotel sits within a 275 acre estate within the Dartmoor National Park and has its own 18 hole golf course, as well as its own spa and facilities, including off road driving, gin making, tennis, archery, falconry, fishing and more. The hotel uses local food producers to fill the menus in their restaurants and offers a range of property options, from hotel stays to self catering lodges, so you can find the perfect home from home.

Image: Bovey Castle 

On the banks of the River Teign is the Mill End Hotel, a boutique hotel located within the Dartmoor National Park, close to stunning forest paths and dog friendly activities, making it a great option for people wanting a walking holiday. The hotel’s riverside garden is open all year around, providing a lovely space to relax with a cream tea in picturesque surroundings. The Mill End Hotel is conveniently located for those of you who want to head out for the day and want to be pampered on your return, it’s the ideal destination for those of you looking for a compromise between active and restful holidays.

One of the best things about staying in the Dartmoor area is the food and drink – many of the dishes available on the menus available at hotels and restaurants here are created using local products directly from the moor itself. This is certainly true at the Bedford Hotel, which is particularly famous for its delicious cream teas! That’s not the only thing this hotel has going for it though – it’s also a cosy place to spend the night with grand four poster beds and indulgent spas, providing a comfortable place to rest after spending the day out and about.

It isn’t all hotels, you’ll also find a host of cottages and other self catering properties too. These offer more space and privacy, so you can really immerse yourself in all the adventures the moor has to offer.

Stickwick Manor and cottages is a stunning manor and collection of cottages on a working farm catering for families, couples or groups. During your stay, you can visit places like Newton Abbot and the surrounding towns and villages, explore the moor or spend time on the farm taking part in the daily animal feedings.

Or you could make your trip to Dartmoor a unique experience by staying in a tree house Wolf Wood Treehouses are on the outskirts of the National Park. Each of the treehouses are perched high in the trees and are accessed via a rope bridge, making even your accommodation an adventure!
Inside you’ll find a home from home with a well equipped kitchen and comfortable beds and seating areas -  they’re a great way to experience self catering with the comfort of a hotel.

Image: Wolf Wood Treehouse

Interested in a visit to Dartmoor? You can find more information here.